Torso Support Device

ABSTRACT

A torso support device operable to provide support for a user&#39;s torso when a user is engaged in an activity such as but not limited to gardening wherein the user is kneeling and bent forward. The torso support device includes a base member that is rectangular in shape being planar in manner and having an upper surface. A first knee support member and a second knee support member are superposed on the upper surface of the base member. A tray is secured to the upper surface of the base member forward of the first knee support member and the second knee support member. An adjustable support post is hingedly secured to the base member and includes a chest pad pivotally secured thereto distal to the base member. A pair of stabilizers are operably secured to the base member and are deployable therefrom to provide additional stability of the base member.

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) & 37 C.F.R. Section 1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the followingprior United States Provisional Patent Application entitled: Back YardBuddy, Application No. 61/965,295 filed Jan. 27, 2014, in the name ofJohn Edgar Labbett, which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to human body support devices,more specifically but not by way of limitation, a torso support devicethat is operable to provide support for a human torso when a person iskneeling and positioned that the torso is forward of the center ofgravity of the person.

BACKGROUND

While the human body has been proven to be extremely durable it hasstill been shown to be susceptible to injuries under certaincircumstances. Many people engage in activities whether for work orleisure that place the human body in a position that is more inclined toinjury. One of the most susceptible body parts to injury is the back.Millions of back injuries occur every year and result in billions ofdollars of expenditures ranging from analgesics to surgical procedures.

Many homeowners engage in activities that place the back and torso in aposition wherein these body parts can be easily injured. By way ofexample but not limitation, homeowners regularly engage in tasks such asgardening or the like which often finds the individual required toengage in either a kneeling or bending position. As an individualengages in activities such as gardening, they are often bent at thewaist wherein the user can experience undue stress on their back as aresult of extended time in the position. A specific example of gardeninginvolves light digging to plant small plants wherein a person will oftenbe on their knees and bent forward to accomplish this task. The torso isangular to the waist and is exposed to forces that can cause musclestrain, which most often results in injury. While users will attempt toperiodically return to an upright position, many individuals sufferinjuries while engaged in the aforementioned activities and positions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can provide support for ahuman torso when a person is in a particular position so as tosubstantially eliminate the risk of injury to the back or other musclegroup of the torso.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a torso supportdevice that is operable to engage the torso of a user and providesupport thereof when a user is an inclined position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a torso supportdevice that is operable to provide support to a torso of a user whereinthe user is in a kneeled position that includes a base support member.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a torso supportdevice that is operable to provide support for a torso of a user whereinthe base member further includes two knee wells that are configured toprovide support for knees superposed thereon.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a torsosupport device that is operable to provide support for a user's torsowhen the user is in a kneeled and bent forward position that furtherincludes a tray on the base member thereof. The tray being locatedforward of the two knee wells.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a torsosupport device that is operable to provide support for a user's torsowhen the user is in a kneeled position wherein the torso support devicefurther includes a chest pad that is secured to the base member via asupport post.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a torsosupport device that functions to provide torso support for a userengaged therewith wherein the base member further includes stabilizersthat are operable to extend outward therefrom.

An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a torsosupport device that is operable to support a torso of a person engagedtherewith that includes a chest pad, wherein the chest pad is hingedlysecured to the support post and is configured to receive a portion of ahuman chest thereon.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a torsosupport device that is operable to engage a human torso and providesupport thereof when a user is in a kneeling position that furtherincludes a pair of handles secured to the support post and extendingoutward therefrom.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the presentinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings areillustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of thepresent invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had byreference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein variouselements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and whereinthrough the views and figures like elements are referenced withidentical reference numerals, there is illustrated a torso supportdevice 100 constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein withreference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the detailed description herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplatedwithin the scope of the present invention that alternative embodimentsare plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, thosehaving skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the presentinvention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitableapproaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application toimplement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyondthat of the particular implementation choices in the embodimentdescribed herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within thescope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, materials, uses and applicationsdescribed herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein andin the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or moreelements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in theart. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusivesense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having thedefinition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusiveor” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structuresdescribed herein are to be understood also to refer to functionalequivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed toexpress approximation should be so understood unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplaryembodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of theinvention so described may include a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes theparticular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring to the drawings herein, the torso support device 100further includes a base member 10. The base member 10 is manufacturedfrom a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal orwood. The base member 10 is rectangular in shape having a first end 12and a second end 14. The base member 10 functions to provide thenecessary structural support and weight for the torso support device 100and further includes an upper surface 16 that is of sufficient size toreceive a user's knees thereon. Secured to the upper surface 16 of thebase member 10 proximate second end 14 are a first knee member 20 and asecond knee member 25. The first knee member 20 and second knee member25 are operable to provide support for a user's knees and function toreceive a user's knees superposed thereon. The first knee member 20 andsecond knee member 25 include central depressions 21,26 that are formedwithin the first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 and areoperable to provide improved ergonomic support of a user's knees andshin area. The first knee member 20 and second knee member 25 aremanufactured from a durable comfortable material such as but not limitedto gel or foam padding. While the first knee member 20 and second kneemember 25 are illustrated herein as being oval in shape, it iscontemplated within the scope of the present invention that the firstknee member 20 and second knee member 25 could be formed in variousdifferent shapes. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope ofthe present invention that the upper surface 16 could have just one kneemember that is of suitable size and construction to receive both of auser's knee's thereon.

Superposed on the upper surface 16 of the base member 10 proximate firstend 12 is tray 30. Tray 30 is proximate first end 12 of the base member10 and is formed with a plurality of walls 31 and bottom 32 so as tocreate interior volume 33. The interior volume 33 of the tray 30 is ofsuitable size to receive and store therein conventional gardening toolsor similar objects. While the tray 30 is illustrated herein as beingrectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the presentinvention that the tray 30 could be formed in various different shapeshaving at least one wall and a bottom operable to create an interiorvolume for the purpose described herein.

Hingedly secured to the base member 10 proximate first end 12 is supportpost 40. Support post 40 includes first end 41 and second end 42 and ismanufactured from a first segment 44 and a second segment 46. First end12 is hingedly secured to the base member 10 utilizing a conventionalhinge. The hinged securing of the support post 40 facilitates thefolding thereof for storage or shipping. The first segment 44 has anouter diameter that is slightly smaller than the internal diameter ofthe second segment 46 so as to be slidably engaged therewith. Both thefirst segment 44 and second segment 46 include a plurality of apertures50 configured in a linear manner. The apertures 50 are operable toreceive pin 55 therethrough so as to position the second segment 46 in adesired position relative to the first segment 44 facilitating heightadjustment of the support post 40. While a particular embodiment of thesupport post 40 has been disclosed herein, it is contemplated within thescope of the present invention that the support post 40 could beconstructed in numerous manners in order to achieve the desiredfunctionality herein. It is further contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention that the support post 40 is secured to the base member10 so as to facilitate the folding down thereof for easier storage ofthe torso support device 100. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat numerous types of fasteners could be utilized to foldably mount thesupport post 40 to the base member 10.

Secured to the second segment 46 of the support post 40 are the firsthandle member 60 and the second handle member 70. The first handlemember 60 and the second handle member 70 extend outward from opposingsides of the support post 40 and are perpendicular thereto. The firsthandle member 60 and the second handle member 70 are manufactured from asuitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. The firsthandle member 60 and the second handle member 70 are cylindrical inshape and function to provide an interface for sliding the secondsegment 46 or for other uses wherein a user requires an interface fortheir hands.

Pivotally secured to the support post 40 proximate second end 43 is thechest pad 80. Chest pad 80 functions to receive a portion of the chestof a user once a user has kneeled on the base member 10 and leansforward to engage in an activity forward of the base member 10. As theuser leans forward the chest pad 80 is operable to engage a portion ofthe user's chest and as such reduce muscle strain on the lower back andother areas of a user's torso as the user remains in a bent position.The chest pad 80 is pivotally secured using conventional fasteners. Thechest pad 80 is rectangular in shape and includes an upper surface 81that is manufactured from a durable comfortable material such as but notlimited to gel or foam. The chest pad 80 is further rotatably mounted tothe support post 40. Rotatable mounting of the chest pad 80 allows auser to more precisely select an area of their torso with which thechest pad 80 will engage. More specifically but not by way oflimitation, if a user desires the chest pad 80 to engage more proximatetheir abdomen, the rotatable mounting of the chest pad 80 facilitates atechnique to accomplish this task. The rotation of the chest pad 80provides a selection of two widths due to the chest pad 80 beingrectangular in shape and as such allows a user to select a width that ismore comfortable and in a desired position on the user's torso.

A left stabilizer 120 and a right stabilizer 110 are hingedly secured onopposing sides of the support post 40 in the base member 10. The leftstabilizer 120 and a right stabilizer 110 are manufactured from asuitable durable material such as but not limited to metal and areoperable to provide additional stability of the base member 10subsequent the deployment thereof. The left stabilizer 120 and a rightstabilizer 110 are illustrated herein in their stored position. Fordeployment of the left stabilizer 120 and the right stabilizer 110 it iscontemplated within the scope of the present invention that the leftstabilizer 120 and the right stabilizer 110 could be hingedly secured soas to be deployed either laterally outward from the base member 10 orforward of the base member 10 so as to provide additional stability ofthe base member 10 when a user is engaged with the torso support device100.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have beendescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitableembodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description mayomit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Thepreceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limitedto the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, ascan be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support device operable to provide upper bodysupport for a user when engaged therewith comprising: a base member,said base member having a first end and a second end, said base memberhaving an upper surface; at least one knee support member, said at leastone knee support member being proximate said second end of said basemember, said at least one knee support member operable to receive auser's knees superposed thereon; a support post, said support post beingsecured to said base member proximate said first end of said basemember, said support post having a first end and a second end; and achest pad, said chest pad being secured to said second end of saidsupport post, said chest pad being rectangular in shape, said chest padhaving an upper surface configured to support a portion of a user'schest thereon.
 2. The support device as recited in claim 1, and furtherincluding a tray, said tray being superposed said upper surface of saidbase member, said tray having at least one wall and a bottom forming aninterior volume, said tray operable to receive and store objectstherein.
 3. The support device as recited in claim 2, wherein said atleast one knee support member further includes a depression, saiddepression configured to receive a user's knee therein.
 4. The supportdevice as recited in claim 3, and further including a handle member,said handle member being secured to said support post, said handlemember being perpendicular to said support post.
 5. The support deviceas recited in claim 4, wherein said support post is adjustable inheight.
 6. The support device as recited in claim 5, and furtherincluding at least one stabilizer, said at least one stabilizer beingoperably secured to said base member, said at least one stabilizerhaving a first position and a second position, said at least onestabilizer in said second position being extended outward from said basemember.
 7. The support device as recited in claim 6, wherein said atleast one knee support member and said upper surface of said chest padare manufactured from gel.
 8. A torso support device that is operable toprovide support for a user's torso comprising: a base member, said basemember being rectangular in shape, said base member having a first endand a second end, said base member having an upper surface; a first kneesupport member, said first knee support member being proximate saidsecond end of said base member, said first knee support member operableto receive a user's knee superposed thereon; a second knee supportmember, said second knee support member being proximate said second endof said base member, said second knee support member operable to receivea user's knee superposed thereon, said second knee support member beingadjacent to said first knee support member; a support post, said supportpost being secured to said base member proximate said first end of saidbase member, said support post having a first end and a second end, saidsupport post being adjustable in height; a chest pad, said chest padbeing secured to said second end of said support post, said chest padbeing rectangular in shape, said chest pad having an upper surfaceconfigured to support a portion of a user's chest thereon; and a tray,said tray being superposed said upper surface of said base member, saidtray having at least one wall and a bottom forming an interior volume,said tray operable to receive and store objects therein.
 9. The torsosupport device as recited in claim 8, and further including at least onestabilizer, said at least one stabilizer being operably secured to saidbase member, said at least one stabilizer having a first position and asecond position, said at least one stabilizer in said second positionbeing extended outward from said base member.
 10. The torso supportdevice as recited in claim 9, and further including a first handlemember and a second handle member, said first handle member and a secondhandle member being secured to said support post, said first handlemember and a second handle member being perpendicular to said supportpost, said first handle member and a second handle member extending fromopposing sides of said support post.
 11. The torso support device asrecited in claim 10, wherein said support post further includes a firstsegment and a second segment, said first segment being slidably securedwithin said second segment, said slidable securing of said first segmentand said second segment operable to facilitate the height adjustment ofsaid support posts.
 12. The torso support device as recited in claim 11,wherein said first knee support member and said second knee supportmember further include depressions, said depressions operable toergonomically support a user's knees.
 13. The torso support device asrecited in claim 12, wherein said first segment and said second segmentof said support post include a plurality of apertures linearly oriented.14. The torso support device as recited in claim 13, wherein said chestpad is pivotally and rotatably mounted to said support post.
 15. A torsosupport device operable to provide support for a user's torso during aposition of kneeling and bent forward comprising: a base member, saidbase member being rectangular in shape, said base member having a firstend and a second end, said base member having an upper surface; a firstknee support member, said first knee support member being proximate saidsecond end of said base member, said first knee support member operableto receive a user's knee superposed thereon; a second knee supportmember, said second knee support member being proximate said second endof said base member, said second knee support member operable to receivea user's knee superposed thereon, said second knee support member beingadjacent to said first knee support member; a support post, said supportpost being secured to said base member proximate said first end of saidbase member, said support post having a first end and a second end, saidsupport post having a first segment and a second segment, said firstsegment being slidably coupled with said second segment, said firstsegment and said second segment having a plurality of apertures linearlyoriented, said support post being adjustable in height; a chest pad,said chest pad being secured to said second end of said support post,said chest pad being rectangular in shape, said chest pad having anupper surface configured to support a portion of a user's chest thereon;a tray, said tray being superposed said upper surface of said basemember, said tray having a plurality of walls and a bottom forming aninterior volume, said tray being rectangular in shape, said trayoperable to receive and store objects therein; and wherein said firstknee support member and said second knee support member further includedepressions, said depressions operable to ergonomically support a user'sknees.
 16. The torso support device as recited in claim 15, and furtherincluding at least one stabilizer, said at least one stabilizer beingoperably secured to said base member, said at least one stabilizerhaving a first position and a second position, said at least onestabilizer in said second position being extended outward from said basemember.
 17. The torso support device as recited in claim 16, and furtherincluding a pin, said pin releasably coupled with said plurality ofapertures on said support post.
 18. The torso support device as recitedin claim 17, and further including a first handle member and a secondhandle member, said first handle member and a second handle member beingsecured to said support post, said first handle member and a secondhandle member being perpendicular to said support post, said firsthandle member and a second handle member extending from opposing sidesof said support post.
 19. The torso support device as recited in claim18, wherein said chest pad is pivotally and rotatably mounted to saidsecond end of said support post.
 20. The torso support device as recitedin claim 19, wherein first knee support member, said second knee supportmember and said upper surface of said chest pad are manufactured fromgel.